A mini series spotlighting James Bond’s oft mocked but always doughty sidekick. The writer is Jody Houser and the artist newcomerJacob Edgar. The cover is by Tula Lotay which is fine. The series launches in late August. Miss Moneypenny debuted in the Ian Fleming novel Casino Royale back in 1953, and has had varying involvement in the Bond series since then, usually appearing in the films as M’s secretary. She’s played a larger role in Dynamite’s recent Bond comics. This is her first solo series though – and it reflects the new Moneypenny, played by Naomie Harris in the current film version.

Hitting stores August 30th, James Bond: Moneypenny focuses on what was intended to be a ‘routine’ protection mission for Moneypenny, until she uncovers a complicated assassination plot that bears a striking and unsettling resemblance to a tragic, and life-changing terrorist attack from her childhood. In the face of imminent danger, will Moneypenny be able summon her secret agent skills to stop the impending plot before it’s too late?

Writer Jody Houser says, “As someone who came to James Bond late (much to the horror of many of my friends), the idea that I’d get to play in that world is amazing. Writing a character like Moneypenny and exploring what makes her different from the more familiar MI6 operative has been a blast. In this story, we’ll get a look at exactly how she operates and some of the events that made her the woman she is.”

“We’re excited to launch James Bond: Moneypenny and bring a fresh, new voice to the Bond universe,” says Nick Barrucci, CEO and Publisher of Dynamite Entertainment. “We’ve followed Jody’s career and have wanted to work with her for quite a big, and this is the perfect project to work with her on. As the first female writer to tackle the comic book world of Bond, Jody is certain to bring new perspective and a fresh take on the iconic characters, while adding that extra touch of class Jody brings to all her works.”

Sheena

REinforcing the timeless appeal of an adventuress in a leopardskin one piece, issue #0 of this new series debuts in August, written by Marguerite Bennett (Batwoman, Animosity) and newcomer Christina Trujilo, with art by Moritat (Hellblazer, Teen Titans). Variant covers by Moritat, Ryan Sook (X-Factor, The Spectre) and J. Scott Campbell (The Amazing Spiderman).

Sheena, Queen of the Jungle, was the first female character in comics to carry her own dedicated series beginning in 1937. Created by industry legends Will Eisner and S. M. “Jerry” Iger, this groundbreaking character saw 167 issues over the span of two decades. In this riveting relaunch, Sheena proves her prowess as the guardian of the jungle as she pursues a mysterious invader that has come to spy on the Amazon’s most ancient secrets. Following the path of the trespasser, she encounters a forbidden ruin in which even more deadly dangers lie in wait — and begins an adventure that will take her beyond her wildest imaginings!

Writer Marguerite Bennett says, “Our story is glorious golden age pulp — high adventure, quick wit, ancient mysteries, and daring dames — clashing with the perils of two worlds: one, the modern world come to conquer, and one, a world of dark supernatural mystery long forgotten, awoken to anger once more. This is a fast paced, action packed kick off to more exciting adventures for Sheena!”

Christina Trujillo adds, “Sheena is strong, brave, and willing to bend the rules in order to do her duty and keep her home safe. I think fans will enjoy having Sheena as a guide while they unravel the mysteries of the forest.”

Artist Moritat says, “Stepping into Will Eisner’s large shoes yet again, but this time wearing nothing but a leopard mono-kini. Marguerite Bennett’s brilliant contemporary re-telling of this famous legend is my favorite to date. I can’t wait to see if the fans like it.”

Dynamite Entertainment Executive Editor Joseph Rybandt said of the new project, “Sheena has long been a staple feature throughout the history of comics and we’re especially proud to be adding new voices to that history. Marguerite and Christina present a timely and empowering tale – enhanced by the pitch-perfect visuals of Moritat – to create a Queen of the Jungle for the 21st century… and beyond.”

“Sheena is one of the strongest and most iconic characters in comics, and we’re fortunate to be working with three incredibly talented creators. Marguerite and Christina make a great creative team giving Sheena a new voice, and is complemented by the lush artwork that Moritat brings to the series,” says Dynamite CEO and Publisher Nick Barrucci. “We are incredibly proud of this series, and are launching it with the same program we launched Red Sonja #0 and Vampirella #0, with a .25 cent Introductory Priced issue. This allows retailers to stock up at a low risk so that as many fans as possible will have the opportunity to read the series. It’s a program that worked successfully for Red Sonja and Vampirella, and we’re doing so again with Sheena! I cannot wait for fans to check out the new series!”

Turok, a Native American who fights dinosaurs, debuted from Gold Key back in 1954 and ran in various formats until 1982. After bouncing around with various Gold Key revivals, Turok found a home at Dynamite since 2014, where he’s appeared in various titles and crossovers.

In the latest Turok adventure, the fascist Saurian soldiers of the Varanid Empire-part dinosaur, part man, all bad-news-have seized control of the Lost Valley, and only the mysterious dinosaur hunter Turok is willing or able to stand against them! But right now, Turok only cares about one thing: tracking down a mysterious missing girl that could hold all of the clues as to how the Lost Valley has changed from the fantastical prehistoric land readers know and love.

Writer Chuck Wendig says, “I wasn’t sure initially about tackling Turok because I wanted to do such a weird and wonderful story world justice — but then, while talking with Dynamite Senior Editor Matt Idelson about all the stuff going on in the real world, an idea hit me in the chest like one of Turok’s arrows. I’m excited to come on board and to hopefully bring something different to the story and to the character, while also keeping the spirit of what makes Turok awesome. And I’m hoping everyone enjoys reading it as much as I’ve enjoyed writing it!”

Artist Álvaro Sarraseca says, “I love drawing Turok. I made some character designs of him and finally we chose the wildest. As hunters usually wear the skins of their prey, I asked myself why Turok could not do the same thing? There are no limits for creativity here! This new version of Turok tears apart anything we saw before. I think it will attract new readers who didn’t have any previous interest in the character.”

“I knew Chuck was both incredibly creative and could bring great depth to his characters, and he’s really managed to capture everything that’s great about Turok while reinventing the character in a fun and mysterious way,” says Matt Idelson, Senior Editor with Dynamite Entertainment. “Álvaro was the miraculous result of a loooong search for the perfect artist for this character and more importantly, Chuck’s story. They make a hell of a team, and their work on the first issue already outshines the serial backup we’ve been running to set up the series.”

“When Dynamite launched the Gold Key line in 2014, we were able to introduce new readers to a now reestablished universe, which has since served as the foundation for further series that we have continued to build upon,” says Nick Barrucci, CEO and Publisher of Dynamite Entertainment. “With the recent success of our series, The Sovereigns, these legendary characters have taken on a new life of their own, and we’re excited to bring the world’s first and foremost dinosaur hunter back to the pages of comics!”

Heidi MacDonald is the founder and editor in chief of The Beat. In the past, she worked for Disney, DC Comics, Fox and Publishers Weekly. She can be heard regularly on the More To Come Podcast. She likes coffee, cats and noble struggle.